Johnny Miller's "Jus'Listen" projects have always been on the 'soulful' edge of dance culture be it spinning in clubs, promoting parties or locked away in the studio making beats. Born in Ealing, West London, Jonny moved to Manchester just over 10 years ago. Having released music on a number of labels, he’s at last found a more permanent home here on Phuture Lounge Records. As he explains;
“Injekta from Phuturistix was instrumental in getting my first solo single ‘Essi’ signed and released on Wah Wah45’s in 2004. Soon after, Dave Jones moved to Manchester, the Lounge was born and I naturally got involved - I also make the best tea!”
After his initial drum & bass releases in the mid nineties, his acid jazz productions as “Korova” surfaced on his own Jus’Listen recordings at the turn of the millennium. His “Some People” track, remixed by Waiwan, featured on both the Truby Trio “Dj Kicks” compilation and Kyoto Jazz Massive’s “Crossbreed 2” CD. 2004 saw the above mentioned single ‘Essi’. Jonny's first solo single "Essi" was released on the superb Wah Wah45's label after heavy club support from the likes of Bugz, Alex Attias, LTJ Bukem and Benji B. His production ethos is simple;
“Being different, whilst still making sense within a genre, is very important to me when I’m making music.”
Whilst drawing inspiration from fellow producers, friends and Phuture Lounge label mates, Jonny’s also quick to stress the influence of the club experience on his productions;
“Going to a club like Co-Op in London is essential inspiration for me today – to hear what records should sound like on a big sound system. Body & Soul in New York affected me heavily when I went there in 1999.”
As a DJ, Jonny is versatile, to say the least. Working at Fantasy FM and DJing at The Astoria at the age of 16 he went on to establish the Jus’Listen parties in Manchester between 1998 and 2001. More recently, appearances at Metalheadz and the infamous Eyes Down and Electric Chair parties in Manchester have cemented his reputation as a DJ with the ability to provide back room journeys, tasteful warm ups and peak time sets alike. Fully immersed in music, Jonny also runs the Manchester MIDI School, the longest running DJ & production school in the UK and continues to host his weekly show on Manchester's Unity Radio.
Jonny is currently working on his first full artist album for Phuture Lounge Records. His first single for the label, "Cold Air EP" will be released at the tail end of the summer. The title track drops an icy, broken beat groove with layered percussion and subtle synth touches that hint, rather than shout, melody. On the flip, “Gainz” suggests a deeper, shifting, almost bashment riddim whilst “Nine-Eight-Zero” resurrects the famous Apache break to complete an EP that’s aimed squarely toward the dance floor.
